Episode 177: The Apprentice Alchemist and Fortune-Teller Who Died Before Graduating
『 After hearing this explanation, Lumine and Paimon couldn't help but fall silent, secretly marveling.
Immediately after...
They had only walked a few steps when Paimon's curious eyes spotted an unusual stall among the dazzling array of vendors.
Without a word, she zipped over to the stall. Dunyarzad, who was following closely behind, looked intently and exclaimed, "This is... a stall offering foods from the Haft-Mewa Feast."
The stall owner, who was bored, immediately perked up upon hearing someone recognize his wares, responding with a smile, "Oh-ho, you could tell straight away!"
"I thought most people nowadays wouldn't know."
However, after Paimon carefully examined the goods on the stall, a hint of disappointment appeared on her little face: "Mushrooms, seeds, and flowers? Why is it all vegetarian? I'm a little disappointed."
She had secretly hoped to discover some delicious food...
These bland goods made Paimon quite unhappy for a while, and she turned her expectant gaze to Dunyarzad beside her: "So what exactly is this 'Haft-Mewa Feast' you just mentioned?"
Dunyarzad thought for a moment, then began to explain enthusiastically: "Well, this is a traditional custom of our Sabzeruz Festival!"
"A long time ago, in every household in Sumeru, seven dishes would be placed on the dining table as a symbol."
"Generally, these include ingredients such as Rukkhashava Mushrooms, Sumeru Roses, Nilotpala Lotus, Sunsettias, Kalpalata Lotuses, Harra Fruit, and Zaytun Peaches."
As she spoke, Dunyarzad's face was filled with pride and joy, as if she were happy to share this tradition.
But Paimon, who wasn't too keen on vegetarian food, became even more disappointed: "So, the Sabzeruz Festival is a big day for eating grass?"
Seeing Paimon's expression, Dunyarzad chuckled softly and quickly explained, "Hehe... You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the spread. We just use the seven foods to symbolize the seven virtues of the Dendro Archon." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Thoma (Genshin Impact): "Hahahaha, Paimon still loves to eat so much. When you come to Inazuma, I'll treat you to hotpot." ]
[ Kamisato Ayato (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Thoma (Genshin Impact): "Is there a problem, Young Master?" ]
[ Kamisato Ayato (Genshin Impact): "No problem..." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Okay, we'll definitely go if we get the chance, Thoma-san, whom we don't know." ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "This boss will also invite you to be guests at our Arataki Gang! We really need talents like you!" ]
[ Kuki Shinobu (Genshin Impact): "Boss, you're just interested in the Traveler's talent for opening chests, aren't you?" ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "How can you say that? I'm doing it all for the Arataki Gang." ]
[ Yoimiya (Genshin Impact): "Traveler, when you come to Inazuma, you must find me. I'll make you the best fireworks." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Got it." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "How nice, this other world feels so warm, except for that birthday thing earlier." ]
[ Hikari (???): "..." ]
[ Kaguya Houraisan (Touhou): "This concubine is quite interested too." ]
[ .....]
『 Just then, on the screen, another figure was also listening intently.
Little Paimon's little head began to spin rapidly.
"Hmm, but if that's the case... If Sumeru uses vegetarian food to represent the Dendro Archon..."
"Then, at the festivals in Natlan, the Nation of War, wouldn't the Pyro Archon's celebration be overflowing with delicious food like roasted fowl, juicy meatballs, and grilled steak..." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece) "So much delicious food." ]
[ Mavuika (Genshin Impact): "Hahahaha, the Nation of War welcomes you both." ]
[ Mavuika (Genshin Impact): "Although we don't have this tradition, we can certainly hold a barbecue festival." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Really? That's great." ]
[ .....]
『 After an intense internal struggle, little Paimon, her eyes full of anticipation, gently tugged on Lumine's sleeve and said:
"Traveler, how about we set off for Natlan ahead of schedule!"
As a seasoned food detective, little Paimon was practically dying to do this.
Here in Sumeru, she could only eat vegetarian food, but in Natlan, she might be able to feast on spectacular grilled meat banquets!
After all, it was the Nation of War, and anything related to fire would naturally make her think of grilled meat first.
Thinking this, little Paimon's enthusiasm shot up instantly, soaring incredibly high.
While fantasizing about delicious food, she kept teasing and amusing Lumine.
This innocent charm also made Dunyarzad, who was beside them, cover her mouth and chuckle.
"Hehehe, I hope your wish comes true, Paimon."
After the investigation, little Paimon, having snapped out of her fantasy, was a bit tired of the vegetarian food, so she turned to Lumine and suggested:
"I hope so. Alright, we've seen enough here. Let's go check out the other stalls."
"Alrighty!" Responding to Paimon's call, Dunyarzad bade farewell to the stall owner and led the two behind her to continue strolling through the bustling market.
As they passed a fortune-telling stall, a young man wearing glasses suddenly jumped out and blocked their path.
"Dear customers,would you like to experience the fun of alchemical divination?" he enthusiastically invited. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "Alchemical divination, interesting." ]
[ Jean (Genshin Impact): "Lisa, have you encountered this before?" ]
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "I looked up related knowledge when I was studying in Sumeru." ]
[ .....]
『 Paimon, who was already full of curiosity, was attracted by the shout, and her eyes lit up: "Alchemical divination? The name sounds novel. What kind of wonderful combination is it?"
Alchemy and divination are both inherently mysterious and not easily revealed to mortals.
Now, not only were they performing together, but they were also presented in a combined form, adding a touch of strangeness.
Even more surprisingly, the young stall owner caught Paimon's curiosity, and his eyes immediately lit up as if he had found a kindred spirit, and he began to introduce it volubly: "That's right! I also found it incredible when I first encountered it. It is said to have been created by the Lesser Lord Kusanali, and the mysteries contained within are profound."
These words further piqued everyone's curiosity. Paimon eagerly floated next to the stall owner and pressed, "Then... what do we do? Tell us in detail!"
The young man perked up at the prospect of business: "It's simple, each of you please take out two personal items as alchemical materials, and I will improvise some alchemy."
"Eh? That casual? Won't it fail?" The grand divination scene Paimon had constructed in her mind instantly vanished.
The young man proudly patted his thigh and laughed: "On the contrary, failure is key! Our divination method is to interpret the clues of fate by analyzing the traces left after the alchemy fails."
The young man spoke with increasing excitement, seemingly wanting to promote his theory, and continued to preach to the two.
However, Lumine's patience gradually ran out: "I always feel this isn't very reliable; it gives off a casual vibe from beginning to end."
Faced with Lumine's questioning, the young stall owner seemed a bit flustered and was momentarily speechless.
At this moment, Dunyarzad spoke up in time to smooth things over: "Hmm, I know a little about this. In Lesser Lord Kusanali's philosophy, all things in the world are connected, and everything can lead to destiny... This is an ancient and profound wisdom."
After hearing this explanation, Paimon felt like the clouds had parted, and she understood a lot.
"Hearing Dunyarzad say that, it feels much more reliable!" But then, she looked at the two in front of her with a suspicious expression: "You two didn't conspire beforehand, did you? How are you so in sync?"
The stall owner, after hearing Dunyarzad's words, also exclaimed in surprise: "So that's the true wisdom behind it! This young lady sure knows her stuff. So, how about it? Want to give it a try?"
At this moment, Lumine still retained a rare "innocence" in her heart.
With Dunyarzad's explanation, this divination seemed to gain a bit of credibility, making Lumine curious.
"Since Miss Dunyarzad said so, let's give it a try!"
After saying that, Lumine obediently picked two small items from herself and handed them to the stall owner.
She secretly hoped that all of this was truly as Dunyarzad and the young stall owner said, containing some incredible power. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Dunyarzad knows so much." ]
[ Dunyarzad (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe!" ]
[ .....]
『 The stall owner took them, immediately placed the two items in a basin, and quickly ignited them.
The flames danced for a moment, then settled, leaving only a pile of ashes lying in the basin.
After completing these seemingly mysterious preparations, the young stall owner's gaze focused on the pile of ashes.
"Please wait, this is... that, it's... the moon?" He stared at the strange ashes, his tone full of uncertainty.
And Paimon, staring at the same ashes, had a completely different opinion.
"Let me see." After Paimon carefully examined them, a look of confusion appeared on her small face: "Is that so? But why do I think it looks more like a big pancake that someone took a bite out of?"
Even if that young man just said it looked like the moon, in the eyes of Paimon the foodie, it was just a big pancake with a missing piece.
She truly lived up to her reputation as a little foodie.
At this moment, no one paid attention to Paimon's antics.
Instead, they all looked at the young stall owner, waiting for his next interpretation.
"Um, that, what, that is to say, uh, everyone, please be patient." After speaking, the stall owner fumbled around behind him and pulled out some things.
"Is he secretly looking something up in a book?" Paimon indicated that she understood.
He's out running a stall, but he has to consult a book for a simple ritual? Isn't that just being unskilled at his job?
But the few people around didn't say much. After all, this service didn't seem to be charged, and the skill level was just that, so there was no need to pay. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "Yare yare, he has to consult a book to do alchemical divination?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "This person, he's not a scammer, is he?" ]
[ Yotsuya Miko (Mieruko-chan): "Again, a useless scammer." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Again?" ]
[ Yotsuya Miko (Mieruko-chan): "No, nothing." ]
[ .....]
『 Not long after, the stall owner studied the materials in his hand, then turned around with a sudden realization and said, "Ha! I remember now, this represents illusion and deception."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was slightly startled, and they started muttering to themselves.
Normally, shouldn't people in this line of work talk big and flatter customers to get benefits?
But this answer was quite surprising...
And Dunyarzad's face immediately fell upon hearing this answer, filled with disappointment.
"The result of illusion and lies intertwined, it indeed sounds rather ominous," Dunyarzad said, frowning slightly and thoughtfully.
"Exactly, but the key is that you need that confidence and courage," the stall owner said, as if enlightened, continuing cheerfully, "As long as you follow the voice of your heart and bravely face your deepest fears, dawn will naturally pierce through the clouds and illuminate the land once more."
This time, the stall owner no longer dodged and frankly admitted that what he had just said was actually from a book.
Paimon's curiosity was piqued, and she put her hands on her hips, teasing, "This guy, now he's openly admitting to cramming from a book at the last minute."
Recalling just a moment ago, this mysterious stall owner was still furtively peeking at the pages of the book.
But in the blink of an eye, he had unreservedly shared the wisdom from the book.
This sudden change made people feel a trace of surprise.
But this did not diminish Dunyarzad's gratitude in the slightest. "Fate may only show us appearances; the true path must be walked by ourselves." She sincerely thanked the stall owner, "Hehe, thank you very much for your advice, I will seriously consider it."
The already shy stall owner was at a loss for words by this thanks, scratching his head and laughing, "Oh, no, no, I'm just learning as I go, haha..."
Facing the stall owner's slightly awkward smile, a few of them exchanged a glance, then turned and left the seemingly unreliable stall.
Away from the stall, Paimon's smile had not faded. "That was quite interesting, but let's keep moving and explore the next stop!"
At this moment, Dunyarzad, walking slowly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, was lost in her memories.
"Speaking of which, a long, long time ago, in that era of the past."
"Our Sabzeruz Festival day could be said to be very boisterous."
"Here, there would be an oversized float parading through the city, with people scattering flowers, candies, and wine along the way."
"That huge float would not only parade through Sumeru City, but it would continue all the way to Port Ormos."
As Dunyarzad recounted the history, Paimon's gaze was suddenly captivated by something unusually eye-catching.
She eagerly tugged on Lumine's clothes, lowering her voice but unable to hide her excitement, saying:
"Traveler, look quickly, Dunyarzad's eyes seem to be sparkling!!"
This light remark, due to the proximity, inadvertently drifted into Dunyarzad's ears, who was leading the way.
"Hehe, I wish I could have seen that spectacle. But if you ask me, I'm sure Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz will be just as impressive!" Dunyarzad said, her face radiating longing, silently looking forward to it. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Dunyarzad's eyes seem to be sparkling; she's so excited talking about the Sabzeruz Festival." ]
[ Dunyarzad' (Genshin Impact): "Of course, this is my dream." ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "Thank you for the compliment, Miss Dunyarzad." ]
[ .....]
『 As they talked, the group had quietly approached the next bustling stall.
There, a group of children was happily jumping around.
"Farris! Farris!" The children's joyful laughter paused, and then a man's call rang out:
"Atten-tion! Soldiers, fall into formation if you want any Yalda Candies!"
As the eccentric knight's words fell, the children, who had just been incredibly noisy, immediately lined up neatly, extending their hands, eagerly awaiting their reward. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Is this some kind of delicious candy?" ]
[ Kaguya Houraisan (Touhou): "Things children like to eat are generally not too bad." ]
[ Silver Wolf (Honkai: Star Rail): "What kind of candy is from another world?" ]
[ Silver Wolf (Honkai: Star Rail): "Suddenly I'm curious." ]
[ Kafka (Honkai: Star Rail) "Heh heh~" ]
[ .....]
『 Looking at the group of children who had instantly lined up and were eagerly reaching out to him, the knight-dressed man couldn't help but be slightly startled; the children's actions were truly too swift.
Fortunately, he quickly reacted and distributed the candies in his hand one by one to these patiently waiting little ones.
Regarding this, Paimon expressed her opinion: "That hat is so strange, and this person is so interesting."
The children who had just received their candy now noticed Dunyarzad observing quietly from the side. Immediately, they surged towards her like a tide, surrounding her.
And the eccentric knight, seeing the children skipping away, turned to the adults and smiled: "Haha, Miss Dunyarzad, your magic over children is even stronger than our Yalda candy!"
"In just a few days of busying yourselves for the Sabzeruz Festival, they've already fallen for you."
Dunyarzad immediately got into character and said to Vihar.
"Uh... Ah, hallowed Knight of Flowers, it is an honor that you know my name!"
Seeing the older sister so immersed, the Knight of Flowers standing in front of the stall quickly regained his sense of role.
"A—Ah, ahem... Atten-tion! In the name of Farris, the Knight of Flowers, I commend you on your contributions to the glorious Sabzeruz Festival."
After saluting Dunyarzad, the Knight of Flowers then turned his gaze to the children present. 』
『 .....』